Abstract
Summary
To study the role of immuno-logic reactions in the development of alcoholic liver disease, cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes against autologous liver grown in tissue culture was investigated. The experimental model was that of ethanol-fed baboons which develop the entire spectrum of alcoholic liver disease. Liver tissue was obtained at laparatomy in 12 animals given alcohol for 16-38 months and in 12 pair-fed controls. Lymphocytes of all alcohol-treated animals (but not of the controls) exhibited cytotoxicity against autochthonous liver cells: there was a marked decrease in the number of surviving cells and a significant reduction in their [3H]proline label.
We thank C. Pereira and L. M. DeCarli for their expert assistance.
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